OTT in the City

Is there anything more satisfying than biting into a herb-loaded bánh mì on a sunny day or warming up with a comforting bowl of phở? When it’s coming from the kitchen of OTT in the City, the answer is likely no.

Opened in 2023 by Chris Whyte and Fiona Le on Heretaunga Street East, OTT in the City brings a fresh blend of Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine. The couple saw this new venture as an opportunity to share their passion for Asian cuisine, as well as a way to stay connected to the food scene while rebuilding their original restaurant, Off The Track, after a devastating fire (good news: it’s back open and thriving).

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, OTT in the City keeps the town well fed throughout the day – and even has a great list of local drops for after-work drinks. At breakfast time, the kitchen adds a layer of interest to brunch staples with Japanese and Vietnamese-inspired edits. Eggs benny gets dressed in miso hollandaise, bursts of lychee top pancakes, and kimchi fills in as a spicy sidekick to avocado smash. 

By lunch and dinner, the menu takes on more traditional flavours that you’ll hear plenty of locals raving about. If there’s a few of you around the table, we recommend a big plate of dumplings, yakitori and a selection of smaller tapas-style eats like Vietnamese style mussels. A classic bánh mì is our idea of a dream work lunch on the go, and noodle bowls and fresh salads are great for days you’d rather not share. Many dishes can be customised with your choice of protein, including a chef’s special tofu, and there’s vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options galore.

With a soothing forest green colour scheme, lush greenery, oversized rattan lights, gold accents, and playful buddha statues, OTT in the City is contemporary and fun. Add in an extra friendly  crew, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to pull up a chair and stick around a while.